NEXT week sees the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the second world war and The Journal, in association with the Marina Theatre, in Lowestoft, are asking readers to share their memories of where they were in September 1939, what the outbreak of war meant to them and any interesting memories they have of the time.
NEXT week sees the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the second world war and The Journal, in association with the Marina Theatre, in Lowestoft, are asking readers to share their memories of where they were in September 1939, what the outbreak of war meant to them and any interesting memories they have of the time.
As part of the special anniversary the Marina is hosting a season of events throughout September.
Topping the bill will be the BBC Big Band presenting a special gala evening of music from the 1940's on Sunday, September 6, local historians John Holmes and Chris Brooks present slides and memories of the town in wartime on September 5, variety show We'll Meet Again has a special matinee performance on September 13 and a specially commissioned show, Wish Me Luck will run on September 18 and 19.
At the outbreak of the war one of the earliest significant events in Lowestoft was the arrival at the Claremont Pier on September 3, 1939, of over 1,000 school children, evacuated from East London and Kent.
Some stayed temporarily at the Odeon Cinema before being billeted in surrounding towns. The threat of invasion some months later lead to children from these areas joined by schools from the town itself being moved again, many to Derbyshire.
Lowestoft was a major military base during the war years with thousands of servicemen passing through HMS Europa, based at Sparrow's Nest.
It is also reported that Lowestoft was one of the most heavily bombed towns in the war, in part due to its close geographical proximity to Europe.
All contributions published will receive complimentary tickets to see an event within the special Marina Theatre wartime anniversary season.
Send your stories to Wartime Memories, The Journal, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft, NR32 1NB.
To book any event in the Wartime Anniversary Season call the box office on 01502 533200.
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